37 Best Camera Accessories in 2024 for Every Photographer

The best camera accessories make a photographer’s life easier. Some accessories are absolutely essential, while others are optional. But whether it’s a camera strap or a portable light meter, you can find all the best accessories for photographers in this article.

We start the article with camera straps. And the Peak Design SL-BK-3 Slide is our top choice in that category. When we look at camera bags, the Wandrd PRVKE is the winner. We then look at equipment for stabilization, like tripods and gimbals. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod is our winner there.

We also have filters, video accessories, cleaning kits, and storage devices. Keep reading to find all the best camera accessories.

What Are the Best Camera Accessories?

The best camera accessories should make a photographer’s life easier. They let you do what you need to do with your camera. Accessories like camera straps and bags are must-have items photographers can’t live without. But you also have optional camera accessories. Things only some photographers need, depending on what they want to achieve.

We’ve covered all the bases in this article. We look at all the essential camera accessories. And we list as many non-essentials that find their way into a photographer’s tool kit.

We have tripods, stabilizers, and gimbals. There are bags and backpacks of different kinds. And we have accessories for digital storage and camera maintenance. Use the links below to navigate through the article:

1. Best Camera Straps
2. Best Camera Bags
3. Best Tripods and Stabilizers
4. Best Storage Devices
5. Best Camera Cleaning Products
6. Best Lighting Accessories
7. Best Camera Filters
8. Best Video Accessories

The Best Camera Straps

A photographer won’t get far without a camera strap. There are several different types of camera straps to choose from. And how you carry your camera is up to you.

But there’s no getting around this one. Whether it’s a neck, sling, or hand strap, you need this accessory to carry your camera. Here’s a quick look at all the best camera straps. Scroll down for more details on each product.

The Peak Design SL-BK-3 Slide Camera Strap is the best neck strap on the market. In fact, it isn’t only a neck strap. Thanks to the unique buckle and anchor design, you can wear it like a neck, shoulder, or sling strap. That’s incredible versatility.

It’s also one of the most durable camera straps around. The nylon strapping is strong. And the aluminum buckles give you even more strength. You can use it for any interchangeable lens camera, from APS-C to full-frame DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

You won’t regret investing in a good camera strap. This Peak Design strap is the best of the best. It’s strong, versatile, and comfortable. What more could you ask for?

You can see all the best camera straps in our full article.

The MegaGear Cotton Wrist Strap is ideal if you have a smaller camera. It connects to the top corner of your camera and loops around your wrist, so your camera is always at hand.

It won’t support larger cameras, like full-frame DSLR cameras. But it’s ideal for compact cameras or lightweight mirrorless cameras. Wrist straps like this one are popular with street photographers. And it will help you carry all the best street photography cameras.

The MegaGear strap is 100% cotton, which is strong and comfortable. You can wear it around your wrist for hours without chafing or discomfort. There’s a leather loop for tightening the main strap around your arm. And it’s an affordable camera accessory for photographers with any budget.

The Cotton Carriers Skout G2 Harness is the best of its kind. It’s a top-notch camera accessory made with durable yet non-abrasive materials. It holds your camera tight against your sternum, so there’s no dangling. And the camera is easily accessible when you need it.

A 3-point sling strap is a safe and secure way to carry your camera. They allow you to walk with your camera in a hands-free fashion. The Cotton Harness sling strap holds the camera in a position close to your body so it doesn’t wave around and knock against things.

If you want more options, read our full article on the best 3-point slingers for cameras.

If you like to have your camera by your waist, you need a sling or shoulder strap. You can’t go wrong with the BlackRapid Curve Breathe Sling, as it’s comfortable, safe, and durable. It’s also versatile and adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit no matter what your body shape.

It’s made of robust nylon with extra padding on the shoulder pad. It also has breathable netting on the underside, so sweat is less of a problem.

There’s a swivel-locking carabiner for secure mounting. And the BlackRapid Sling has an under-arm strap to help you find a secure and comfortable fit. That’s a big help if you wear slings for long periods.

You need a camera hand strap if you’re a photographer who always wants your camera firmly in your grip. The Altura Photo Rapid Fire Grip is the strongest and most secure hand strap on the market. It’s the best option for keeping a firm grip on your DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Made with a combo of leather and nylon, it’s durable and strong. You secure it to your camera using the strap loop and the strap’s metal mounting plate. This screws into the tripod thread at the bottom of the camera. And you can still use the Altura Grip when it’s attached to a tripod.

Check out all the best camera hand straps in the full article.

Best Camera Bags

Every photographer needs a good camera bag. It can be a backpack, messenger, or sling bag. But it has to be comfortable, protective, and convenient.

A photographer won’t get far without a reliable camera bag to carry their equipment. That’s why you can’t go any further in this article. You need to get yourself the best camera bag for your photography equipment.

You can see a quick overview of all the bags in the table below. We then look at each bag in more detail below.

When testing and reviewing the Wandrd Prvke, we actually found it hard to find faults. The build quality is outstanding. And it’s made with durable and robust materials. It’s weatherproof against heavy downpours. And it looks fantastic. Even the fussiest hipsters will proudly walk around with the Prvke on their back.

The broad padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to wear. And there’s thick back padding with air channels for circulation. You also have a waist strap to help you carry the load for long periods.

The excellent storage capacity fits several camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. And it has a laptop or tablet sleeve, tripod strap, and water bottle holder. Photographers can’t do much better than the Prvke.

You can read our full review of the Wandrd Prvke. Or you can see our complete article on the best camera backpacks.

We recommend another Wandrd backpack, this time the Wandrd Duo Daypack. It’s smaller than the Prvke, but there’s no dip in quality. The capacity for cameras and other accessories isn’t quite as generous. But you have plenty of room for a full-frame camera and other bits and pieces.

It has a unique “pop camera cube.” It’s a padded bag section for camera storage that folds away if you need more general storage space. It also has other padded pockets that keep small cameras and lenses safe. And it has a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. Every inch has been used well, showing fantastic space efficiency.

It’s also a fully weatherproof backpack, keeping your gear safe in the wettest of weather. The outer nylon is fully water-resistant. And the zippers have a rubber coating so no water seeps through. The Duo Daypack is a camera bag masterpiece.

You can read our full review of the Wandrd Duo Daypack.

Camera messenger bags are a great way to carry your camera. They are comfortable and casual. They don’t make it obvious that you’re a photographer. And your camera is always in easy reach near your hip.

The Peak Design Everyday Messenger V2 is our top recommendation in this category. It has a smart yet casual design, coming in Black and Ash Grey. The build quality is fantastic, with weatherproof nylon making it a weatherproof camera bag.

With a 13 L capacity, you can get a surprising amount of gear inside. The three FlexFold dividers protect your equipment while keeping everything organized. It also has an easily adjustable strap with a well-padded shoulder section, giving you a comfortable fit. We think it’s the best messenger bag there is.

If the Everyday V2 isn’t the camera bag you want, you can check out our full list of the best messenger bags.

If you want to remain fleet of foot while carrying your camera gear, the Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW might be the bag you’re looking for. Lowepro makes highly functional camera bags. And this is a great example. It has plenty of access points for grabbing your gear on the go. It’s protective, and it looks smart.

The bag is split into two main sections. The upper section opens at the front, providing free storage space for personal items. The lower section has padded dividers for keeping your camera and lenses safe. This section opens at the rear, letting you grab gear without removing the bag.

The Slingshot Edge won’t win any awards at Paris Fashion Week. But it’s a well-conceived camera sling bag for busy photographers.

If you want to check out more bags like this one, read our list of the best camera sling bags.

Think Tank set themselves the task of creating a camera backpack for air travel, and they’ve absolutely nailed the brief. The Think Tank Airport Essentials looks smart and respectable. It keeps your gear safe on your journey. And it’s surprisingly spacious.

The efficient use of space is one of the best things about the bag. You can customize the interior using the removable dividers. Even though it only has a 15 L capacity, you can get loads of gear inside. And it’s still compact enough to be used as hand luggage on most airlines.

Security is always an issue when traveling with camera equipment. But the Airport Essentials has strong, lockable zippers. It also has a built-in cable lock with a three-digit code lock. Plus, the outer material is water-repellent. And the bag comes with a rainproof cover for even more protection in bad weather.

You can read our full and thorough review of the Think Tank Airport Essentials if you want to learn more about this excellent camera bag.

Best Tripods and Stabilizers

Tripods are one of the most common camera accessories. Some photographers can’t work without them. And now more and more creatives are shooting video, so we can’t ignore camera stabilizers and gimbals. They give you smooth, shake-free footage without the need for dollies and tracks.

The table below gives you an introduction to each tripod and stabilizer. But we go into more detail on each product if you scroll down a bit further. We’ve also included links to other articles to help you find exactly what you need.

A tripod is always useful for shooting landscape, product, portrait, or food photography. Long-exposure and time-lapse tripods are essential camera accessories for photographers.

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced is a top-quality aluminum tripod at a reasonable price. It’s lightweight and compact yet has a max load capacity of 8.8 lb (3.9 kg). That’s strong enough for full-frame cameras with large lenses attached.

Each leg has three sections that can be expanded or contracted to adjust the size. The legs lock into position with the quick-release flip locks. And the feet have added grip for more stability on slippy ground.

The ball head gives you smooth panning and tilting. You can firmly lock it into position. And with the Arca-Swiss quick-release plate, it’s easy to mount and dismount your camera from the tripod.

The Befree Advanced also has a fluid head, making it one of the best video tripods. But if this isn’t the tripod for you, check out our list of the best tripods for photographers.

The Winston 2.0 by 3 Legged Thing is one of the strongest tripods. With a staggering max load capacity of 88 lb (40 kg), this tripod can carry almost anything! And thanks to the carbon fiber construction, it’s lighter than you might expect at 6 lb (2.7 kg).

You can adjust each leg thanks to the telescopic design. The leg sections are securely held in position with the twist locks. The legs also have rubber feet for extra grip. You can also remove the central column and use it as a monopod for more mobile shooting.

The Winston 2.0 is one of the best heavy-duty options. But if it isn’t the tripod for you, check out our full article on the best heavy-duty tripods.

Tripods are excellent for giving you more stability. But they do restrict your movements when shooting. A monopod, on the other hand, gives you stability while letting you move more freely. They’re very popular with wildlife, events, and sports photographers.

The Altura Photo Camera Monopod is a great choice for anyone from beginners to more experienced photographers. It’s a lightweight piece of kit. You can carry it anywhere.

But it has the strength to hold a 5 lb (2.2 kg) camera and lens setup. That’s enough for a full-frame camera and one of the best wildlife photography or sports lens.

It has a super-simple design, with four telescopic leg sections that fix into position thanks to the flip locks. The foot has a ball joint. You can lean in all directions. And it has a spike for added grip when shooting outdoors.

You can see more in our article reviewing the best camera monopods. 

Shooting smooth video handhled isn’t easy. The camera picks up every shake and vibration, which is why many videographers use camera stabilizers.

The FLYCAM RedKing Camera Stabilizer is our favorite. It can support camera setups weighing up to 15 lb (7 kg), which is enough for any of the best videography cameras.

Using the removable counterweights, it’s easy to find the perfect balance. Once balanced, you can shoot handheld for smooth moving and tracking shots. It’s a simple solution that makes a huge difference to the quality of your footage.

You can see all the best camera stabilizers in our full article.

Gimbals are starting to overtake stabilizers in the videography community. They offer exceptional stability while you shoot handheld. Plus, their smaller frames and lighter weight make them easier to use.

The DJI RS 2 is the best gimbal stabilizer there is. It has advanced controls for professional film recording. The color touchscreen helps you find the controls you need. Plus, it gives you three-axis stabilization, always keeping the camera balanced. This makes shooting handheld a dream.

Our full post has a large selection of the best camera gimbals. And you can also see our list of the best phone gimbals if you’re a smartphone videographer.

Best Storage Devices

Storage is an essential part of being a photographer. And as camera sensors become more powerful with bigger resolutions, file sizes increase, too. This means you need bigger and better devices for storing your photos.

You can’t use a digital camera without a memory card. So make it a good one. The SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best there is. We’ve listed the 64 GB card. But you can get it in many other sizes, from 32 GB to 1 TB.

If you want more memory card options, check out all the best camera SD cards.

An SD card reader is the quickest way to get images from your memory card to your computer. And the ProGrade Digital XFexpress Card Reader is our top recommendation.

It supports the most common memory card types. So it’s a great option if you use different cameras. It also delivers fast reading and transferring times, giving you a time-efficient experience. It’s also compatible with Windows and Apple computers.

Check out the best SD card readers article if you want to see more options.

Losing a memory card is heartbreaking, and it could mean losing income. That’s why keeping your memory cards safe is important for all photographers.

The Kiorafoto Professional Memory Card Case gives you excellent security. It’s a strong crushproof case with a rubber seal around the opening, making it waterproof when closed. It also has enough storage space for 12 SD and 12 microSD cards. And it has a metal clip to attach to your camera backpack.

Plenty of other excellent options are available, and you can see them all in our best memory card cases article.

The external hard drive has become a key element in a photographer’s tool kit. And if that’s what you’re lacking, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is exactly what you need. It’s compact and robust. And it has a storage capacity of up to 4 TB, which is a lot of RAW files.

You can find cheaper hard drives. But considering how important reliable storage is, we recommend the SanDisk.

Check out all the best external hard drives we recommend to save your photos.

Best Camera Cleaning Products

Cleaning your camera gear isn’t the most glamorous part of the job. But it’s unavoidable if you want your equipment to last. That’s why cleaning kits are one of the most important camera accessories for photographers at all levels.

The Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit has everything you need to keep your camera in tip-top shape. It has an air blower for removing dust without touching sensitive components. You get two soft-bristled brushes. And the kit includes non-abrasive microfiber cloths and pre-moistened wipes.

Our full article on camera cleaning kits has other excellent cleaning options.

Modern camera sensors can detect even tiny specks of dust. And when they build up, it can have a really detrimental effect on image quality. That’s why you must take care of your sensor by keeping it clean.

The LensPen SKLK-1 Sensor Cleaning Kit is the best for targeted sensor cleaning. The pack includes a unique LensPen, an illuminated loupe, and an air blower. And it also comes in a protective pouch, so you don’t lose any important elements.

See all the best sensor cleaning kits in our full article.

An air blower, like the Giottos AA1903 Rocket Air Blaster, is a simple tool for keeping your camera clean. Cloths and brushes can damage sensitive components. But with an air blower, you can remove dust and dirt without actually touching the camera. It’s a small price to pay for a cleaner camera and better image quality.

Best Lighting Accessories

Light is one of the fundamental elements in photography. And as a photographer, the more control you have over light, the better. That’s why lighting accessories are something all photographers need to consider. Whether it’s a flash, reflector, or light panel, they help you achieve the results you want.

The NEEWER NW645II-C TTL Flash Speedlite is ideal if you’re looking for a versatile and reliable camera flash. You can use it for everything from product photography to portraits. It has plenty of different modes and lighting options to give you full creative control. And it’s an affordable addition to your lighting arsenal.

Using a flash diffuser gives you even more control over your flash lighting, so that’s another camera accessory you can try.

This NEEWER flash is compatible with Canon EOS cameras. You can also buy similar NEEWER flashes for Nikon cameras. And you can read our full article on the best camera flash guns.

Ring lights have become one of the most popular forms of photography lighting in recent years. They give you even, consistent lighting, which removes harsh shadows. It’s a flattering light for portraits and self-portraits. And they’re the best lights to use with vlogging and live streaming cameras.

NEEWER 18″ Ring Light Kit is one of the best their is. You have 0 to 100% brightness control and two color temperature filters, letting you adapt to any environment.

The kit also comes with a tripod and two mounts. There’s a camera mount for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. And there’s a phone mount if you create your content using your smartphone. You also get a Bluetooth remote and a carry case.

See more of the best ring lights for photography in the full article.

LED light panels give you fantastic creative lighting options. And the Lume Cube RGB LED Panel is our pick of the bunch. You get white, green, red, and blue light without filters or diffusers. It also has a strobe mode and four scene modes for more lighting options.

Check out all the best LED light panels for photography we recommend.

Reflectors are an excellent tool that gives you more control over natural light. They redirect the light you have available rather than creating new light. And that lets you subtly manipulate the light in your scene in a controlled way.

We recommend the NEEWER 5-in-1 Circular Light Reflector. It’s affordable equipment that transforms your portraits, product images, and fashion photography. It’s simple yet highly effective.

It has five different reflective surfaces, each giving you a different lighting effect. You have white, black, silver, gold, and transparent. That gives you incredible control over natural light.

If the NEEWER 5-in-1 isn’t the reflector you want, check out our full article on the best light reflectors for photography.

A ringflash attaches to the end of your camera lens, giving you even lighting when shooting close-ups. That means they are the best lighting accessories for small products and macro photography.

The Godox MF-R76 Macro LED Ring Flash Speedlite is our top choice. Thanks to the hot shoe connection, it’s compatible with Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras. Plus, it has eight ring adapters to attach to almost any lens.

If you need a ringflash for your macro photography, see our full write-up on the best ringflashes.

The Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights aren’t strictly photography lights. But they are a fantastic tool for creating interesting moods and atmospheres in your studio. They are a great lighting tool for vloggers and live streamers, too.

You get 65.6 ft (19.9 m) of LED light strips. The back has an adhesive to easily stick them to the wall or furniture. You can also separate the strip into 15 sections to decorate large spaces with just one set.

You control the lights using the Govee smartphone app. With it, you can change the light colors, set sequences, or have the lights synch to music. That’s why the Govee LED Strip Lights are such a fantastic tool for creative lighting.

Check out all the best LED lights for photography in our full article.

Best Camera Filters

Camera filters are a simple yet effective way of improving your photography. Do you want more contrast in your landscapes or perfectly exposed long exposures? Do you want more detail in your night sky photography? Lens filters are the answer.

These are some of our favorite camera lens filters. But you can also read our full post on the best camera filters for photography.

A polarizing filter blocks polarized light. It deepens and saturates colors while increasing contrasts. And it also reduces reflections, which increases light transmission in the lens. This gives you better detail.

The Tiffen 77CP Circular Polarizer is the place to start with polarizing filters. It’s a high-quality piece of kit at a reasonable price. And you’ll be surprised by its effect on your landscape photography.

Read our review of the best polarizing camera filters for more top picks.

Getting perfectly exposed long-exposure shots isn’t easy. In fact, it’s practically impossible without a neutral density filter. These filters reduce the amount of light passing through without affecting color quality. This lets you keep your shutter open for a long time without too much light flooding it.

The K&F Concept ND1000 Neutral Density Filter is the best option. The optical quality is excellent. And the AGC glass has a multi-layer coating that protects and improves picture quality.

It has an optical density rating of ND 1000, about 10 stops of exposure compensation. You can keep the shutter open without ruining the image.

Check out all the best Neutral Density Filters in our full review.

A variable neutral density filter is like a standard ND filter. But it has a variable optical density. A standard ND filter has a fixed optical density. In contrast, a variable filter lets you change the intensity by turning the outer ring.

The Neewer MRC Variable ND2-ND400 ND is a high-quality photography filter. It has a 42-layer coating that protects and improves image quality by reducing flare and vignetting. And it also has a three-stop optical density range.

You can adjust it from ND2 to ND400. That gives you excellent versatility when shooting outside.

You can read our full article listing the best variable ND filters.

Light pollution is a big problem when shooting Milky Way photography, especially in urban areas. But light pollution filters block light from artificial light sources, giving you a clearer view of the night sky.

The K&F Concept Clear Natural Light Filter is the best option for your astrophotography lens. The optical quality is fantastic due to the crisp glass and multi-layer coating on both sides. And it comes in several different sizes.

You can see all the best light pollution filters in our full list. If you want to learn more about capturing the stars above, see our full article on filters for astrophotography.

All the filters featured on this list have been circular filters that screw onto the end of your lens. But you can also get square or rectangular filters that mount to the front of your camera lens. The benefit of these filters is that you don’t need a specific size to fit each lens.

The LEE100 Filter Holder is the best filter holder on the market. It’s made of strong composite materials and has a durable construction. It has three modular filter-guide blocks for holding one, two, or three filters at a time. It’s a must-have camera accessory if you love using filters.

Best Video Accessories

The line between photographers and videographers has never been so blurred. More and more photographers are being asked to produce stunning images and videos. That’s why these video camera accessories are important to include when discussing camera gear.

An external camera monitor gives you a better shooting experience when recording video. It plugs straight into your camera. And you can see exactly what you’re shooting on a bigger, brighter screen.

The Atomos Ninja V 4K Monitor is the best option for movie makers. It has a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution with a 1000-nit brightness. It doesn’t have touchscreen controls. But it does have almost every port you could need for extra equipment.

See all the best external camera screens in our full article.

You can record video and audio from the same device with a camera microphone. That makes pro-level videography a whole lot easier. We recommend the Deity V-Mic D3 Shotgun Microphone. It’s compatible with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and even camcorders.

The sound quality is excellent, thanks, in part, to the muff protector and high-pass filter. It’s simple and easy to use, even for novice videographers. But it delivers professional sound quality.

Click on the link to see all the best camera microphones for DSLRs.

When shooting videos with a tripod, it’s best to have the right tripod head for the job. Fluid heads are definitely the best option for recording video. The smooth panning and tilting are exactly what you need for silky-smooth footage.

The Avella Video Tripod Fluid Head is a great option for filmmakers. It gives you incredibly smooth panning and tilting control. And you can adjust the torque levels for a personalized experience. It has a built-in bubble level that helps you keep everything horizontal. And there’s a detachable handle for extra control.

Serious filmmakers need to read our article on the best video tripods.

While selfie sticks get their name because they are used for self-portraits, they are also the perfect tool for vlogging. They allow you to film yourself while you work, making it easy to talk to the camera and move around.

The ATUMTEK Selfie Stick Tripod is a top option for vloggers. It has an extendable range of 31.3 inches (80 cm) but only measures 7.7 inches (20 cm) when you fold it down. That makes it ideal for travel.

It also has tripod legs, so it can stand alone, giving you even more shooting options. And it comes with a Bluetooth remote. This lets you trigger the camera from a distance of up to 33 ft (10 m). It’s a great tool for travel vloggers and YouTubers.

Conclusion: Best Camera Accessories

Whether you love photography gadgets or prefer a minimalist kit, there are some camera accessories you can’t live without. We’ve shown you some must-have accessories, recommending the best products in each category. And we’ve suggested other accessories that might not be essential but useful.

The Peak Design SL-BK-3 Slide is our top accessory because all photographers need a good camera strap. And we highly recommend the Wandrd Prvke if you’re looking for the best camera backpack. Finally, we have the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod as our top tripod.